Sahin: Bayern should be wary

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin believes his side’s German Supercup win over Bayern Munich provided a stern warning to the Bavarian giants that their title defence is far from assured.

Sahin returned to Dortmund this summer.

Bayern’s 25-point gap to second-placed Dortmund last season and Pep Guardiola’s summer signings have led many to suggest the defending champions are a shoo-in to continue their dominance of the Bundesliga.

But Sahin insists Jurgen Klopp’s men sent a message to their rivals following the 4-2 victory, given Bayern’s friendly routs in recent weeks.

"Bayern's preparations for the Supercup were great," Sahin said. "They scored close to 60 goals in friendlies and cleaned up. That was really impressive and obviously the other clubs really respect that.

"However, we've laid down a marker for the Bundesliga. We've proven there’s another way. I think that was in the interest of the entire league. We can be really pleased. In my eyes, we've capped off some really good groundwork by winning the Supercup. Bring on the season."

Despite losing prolific attacker Mario Gotze to Bayern, Sahin is confident Dortmund’s new recruits Henrik Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sokratis Papastahopoulos will provide the impetus for the 2011/12 champions to reclaim their title.

"The game was important for our newcomers," he added. "They've seen what sort of an atmosphere there is at Dortmund and have slotted in seamlessly.

"Aubameyang introduced himself with an assist, while Sokratis Papastathopoulos provided added stability towards the end of the game. All in all, it was a good day for us and the new boys."